Pelican – Flickering Resonance (Review)

Pelican are a post-metal band from the US and this is their seventh album.

Following on from 2019’s Nighttime Stories comes the 51-minute Flickering Resonance. A new Pelican release is always a noteworthy event, so I was very happy to be able dive into this new album when it appeared.

Flickering Resonance has an earthy sound, despite its occasional ethereal qualities. In places it is dreamy and hazy, but always remains grounded in the present, in down to earth riffs and organic melodies. While not a live album, it has the feel of something occurring naturally when four musicians get together and create.

The songs are tight and focused, but not single minded. Elements of the alternative, doom, post-rock, and progressive styles all come together in Pelican’s skilled hands, making for post-metal music that’s more charismatic and personable than an instrumental act has any right to be. Of course, at this point in their existence Pelican know what they’re doing, but here they also feel revitalised to an extent.

The Pelican of 2025 is a recharged beast, it seems. The band have returned to their original lineup, and Flickering Resonance leans back to some of their earlier sounds, both in the melodic colours and the frequently heavy riffs. Of the melodies, these walk a line between bright and upbeat, and despondent and downbeat. It’s a path that’s hard to navigate for most bands, (although usually they don’t try and just opt for one or the other side of said line), but Pelican judge their material just right. This approach helps to make for engaging songs that hit the right mark between being optimistic and melancholic.

There is an understated majesty here that’s deeply compelling. Atmospheric, while also boasting many a kick ass riff, Flickering Resonance is very enjoyable. I’ve been a fan of Pelican since their debut EP, and Flickering Resonance has not disappointed. It’s an effortless satisfying album.

Very highly recommended.